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FRENCH ONION MAC & CHEESE

Indulge in the ultimate cheesy comfort with our French Onion Mac & Cheese! Featuring the rich flavors of Cuisine Adventures French Onion Soup, buttery Cavatappi pasta, and a luscious blend of Swiss or Gruyere cheese, this dish offers a deliciously unique take on the classic mac and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 2 packets of Cuisine Adventures French Onion Soup
  • 500 ml water
  • 750 ml uncooked Cavatappi noodles (or any short pasta)
  • 30 ml unsalted butter
  • 340 g shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyere, or your choice of cheese)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a 12-inch skillet with a lid, place the frozen French Onion Soup packets and add 500 ml of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  • Once boiling, add the pasta to the skillet. Cover and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • When the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated. Gradually add the shredded cheese in 2 to 3 batches, stirring after each addition until most of the cheese is melted (about 2 minutes). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter and transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 113 g of cheese on top. Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve warm and enjoy!

    FRENCH ONION CHICKEN MACARONI AND CHEESE

    French Onion Chicken Macaroni and Cheese combines the rich, savory flavors of French Onion Soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni and tender chicken. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. For another French Onion-inspired treat, check out my French Onion Deviled Eggs—yes, you read that right! Both recipes pack all the delicious French Onion flavor in unique ways.

    Ingredients:

    Caramelized Onions

    • 2 medium yellow onions, diced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Mac and Cheese

    • 16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
    • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
    • ½ cup (62.5 g) all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups (490 g) whole milk, warmed
    • 1 cup (240 g) beef stock
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground mustard powder
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
    • 1 cup (113 g) sharp Gruyere cheese, freshly shredded
    • ½ cup (56.5 g) mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
    • 2 cups (280 g) shredded rotisserie chicken

    Topping

    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • ¼ cup (28 g) Gruyere cheese, shredded
    • Fresh thyme, chopped (for garnish)

    Instructions:

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Caramelize the Onions:

    • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, butter, and onions.
    • Turn the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until softened.
    • Increase the heat to medium, uncover, and cook the onions until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
    • Once caramelized, cover the pan and remove from heat. Set aside.

    Make the Mac and Cheese:

    • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
    • Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown.
    • Gradually add the warm milk and beef stock, whisking constantly.
    • Return the pan to heat and whisk for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
    • Stir in the salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
    • Add the Gruyere, mozzarella, and caramelized onions. Stir until the cheese melts.
    • Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
    • Mix in the shredded chicken until fully incorporated.

    Topping:

    • Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Top with ¼ cup shredded Gruyere cheese.
    • Bake, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
    • Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh thyme.

      Serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!